We were recently contacted by an individual who was studying physics at the doctoral level and was interested in switching to a career in medical physics. Switching to a career in medical physics with a Ph.D. in any branch of physics was a relatively easy task, say 20 years ago, but has become increasingly more difficult with the growing number of medical physics degree programs and the restrictions of residency admissions to those who have specifically graduated from an academic program in medical physics. It’s certainly an exciting time to be in medical physics, but it’s become difficult (albeit, not impossible) for those who have not specifically trained in medical physics to join the party. It’s worth mentioning that many past (and current) leaders in our field did not graduate from medical physics degree programs, which makes one wonder how many talented individuals with the potential to contribute to our community are unable to become medical physicists simply because they chose to study a different branch of physics instead. Read more

It’s that time of the year again. No, I’m not talking about the holiday season. I’m talking about medical physics residency application season! Ho, ho ho! Medical physics residency programs are looking to fill positions for next year, so as a reminder to those who are currently applying, here is a round up of CAMPEP-accredited programs (in alphabetical order) currently accepting applications and their deadlines. Direct links are provided to official application information for programs that provide such information on their websites. Also, be sure to check the listing of medical physics job openings for more residency positions as they are announced. Read more

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is offering a Diagnostic Radiologic Physics Mock Oral Board Exam the weekend of April 17-18, 2010. Participation is limited, so sign up early. The practice exam dates have been added to the MDPhysics Event Calendar. The mock exam aims to provide the student with a simulation of the ABR oral exam environment by using similar exam format, questions and board-certified examiners.

This mock exam has been offered internally to physics residents and junior faculty with great success, and participation is now being extended outside MD Anderson. All proceeds (tuition is $500) will support medical physics educational programs at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

After taking the mock board exam, the student will be familiar with his or her individual areas of weakness to improve with additional study before the actual board exam. In addition, the mock board exam will allow for practicing the expression of coherent answers in a risk-free setting. Examiners will provide some guidance and feedback to the student on his or her performance.

Varian and Elekta are two world leading (and competing) companies pioneering significant clinical solutions for treating cancer in radiation oncology. Any medical physicist is as familiar with the terms “Varian” and “Elekta” as he is with “x-ray” and “radiation.” In essence, Varian and Elekta are the “giants” in our industry…but how much do you really know about these companies whose names are ubiquitous with medical physics and whose products most of us use everyday? Read more